Queen Elizabeth National Park

Hidden deep in Uganda’s southwest, Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest, and most biologically diverse forests on earth.

Queen Elizabeth National Park in southwestern Uganda is one of East Africa’s richest wildlife theatres. Here, forests, wetlands, crater lakes, and the Kazinga Channel blend together to host an incredible variety of species, from elephants and hippos to lions and over 600 bird species. The park stretches from about 910 meters around Lake Edward to 1,350 meters at the Katwe Craters. It features diverse habitats including the Mweya Peninsula, Ishasha, Kyambura Gorge, and Maramagambo Forest, each with its own attractions. Expect to encounter tree-climbing lions, chimpanzees, elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, and an array of aquatic and forest birds.

Queen Elizabeth National Park

Did You Know? (Quick Facts)

Coordinates: 0.25° S to 0.6° N, 29.8°–30.4° E
Distance from Kampala: Approximately 400 km (6–7 hours by road)
Size: 1,978 km²
Unique Features: Tree-climbing lions in Ishasha and chimps in Kyambura Gorge
Mammals: Around 95 species including lions, elephants, and leopards
Birdlife: Over 600 species, making it one of Africa’s top birding destinations
Heritage: Established in 1952 and named after Queen Elizabeth II

Build Your Trip

Why Visit Queen Elizabeth with
Gonja Safaris?

Queen Elizabeth is where every landscape tells a story. It is Uganda’s park of endless discovery and breathtaking variety.

Key Attractions

Our travellers' wildlife sightings across Queen Elizabeth National Park

When travelling through Uganda, many of our travellers document their wildlife encounters – be they of lions, Chimpanzees or black rhinos – and generously share their records with us.

Quick Facts About Uganda

Flight Information

Most international travelers fly into Entebbe International Airport (EBB), just outside Kampala. There are direct flights from major hubs like Nairobi, Dubai, and Addis Ababa. If you’re coming from Europe or the US, you’ll likely connect through one of these cities. Domestic flights are available to places like Kidepo (KID) and Kisoro (KSR) for gorilla trekking, but most travelers use buses or private transfers for shorter distances. You can compare flight prices on Skyscanner or Google Flights.

Safety Information

Uganda is generally safe, but petty theft in cities like Kampala can occur. Gorilla trekking Uganda zones and national parks are low-risk. Avoid political demonstrations and use trusted transport apps like SafeBoda. Political demonstrations are rare but best avoided if they occur. Road travel can be chaotic, so if you’re not comfortable with local driving styles, consider hiring a private driver.

Climate

Best Time to Visit Uganda
The dry seasons (June-August & December-February) offer ideal conditions for Uganda safari experiences. Wet seasons (March-May, September-November) are lush but muddy. Temperatures are usually between 20°C – 28°C (68°F – 82°F), though it can get cooler in highland areas like Bwindi.

Other Essential Travel Tips

Health: Yellow fever vaccination is required. Malaria is present, so take prophylaxis and use mosquito repellent.
Transport: Boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) are popular but risky use SafeBoda for trained drivers.
Culture: Ugandans are friendly but conservative dress modestly outside tourist areas.
Wildlife: Always follow park rules; never approach wild animals without a guide.

Final Thoughts

Uganda combines gorilla trekking, epic safaris, and warm hospitality.

Queen Elizabeth National Park